If you're an experienced judoka, you know that every throw has certain qualities that define it.
What qualities would define the quintessential tai otoshi? There are many ways to execute tai o: as a drop, one-handed, with double sleeves... For me, the essential qualities of tai otoshi are the rotational speed and power from the upper body and the leg placement that allows this upper body explosiveness.
The legs are positioned making a triangle with the ground, giving tori the stability to push and rotate with their entire body.
Below are four example videos to enter the universe of tai otoshi along with some questions to help analyze the technique.
Denis Vieru has a very modern tai otoshi which he is able to combine with sode from double sleeves as well as lots of ashi waza.
Soichi Hashimoto's tai o is extremely explosive. I have noticed that the Japanese often drill their turn throws with uke walking backwards. This would seem counter-intuitive but seems to force excellent timing.
Won Hee Lee arguably has one of the most famous tai otoshis. Many people call the the one-handed or no-grip taio.
For no gi, here is Jason Morris, Olympic silver medalist in judo and NY State Champ in wrestling, hitting several tai otoshis from over unders.
Questions
What are the sleeve hand and collar hands doing throughout the throw?
What are different ways to set up this throw?
What does the transition to the ground look like in each?
Despite the differences in style, what are the similarities between each video?
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